Squamous cell carcinoma is the second most common type of skin cancer and is also typically found on sun-exposed areas.  This type of skin cancer does have the potential to spread through the blood and lymph vessels to other organs. These cancers are more likely to spread from the lip, ears, and scalp.  It generally starts as a precancerous lesion called an actinic keratosis.  If left untreated, a certain percentage of actinic keratoses will develop into a squamous cell carcinoma.   These skin cancers are treated with radiation therapy, Mohs surgery, surgery, electrodessication and curettage and topical chemotherapy.  All of these forms of treatment are offered at our Skin Cancer Center.